San Juan Travel Guide

Puerto Rico is a boiling pot of culinary cuisines from around the world. The eclectic choices are truly global and are dependent upon your individual preferences. Here you can find French, German, Greek, Asian, Italian, Spanish and of course Caribbean, just to name a few. You'll delight in Nouveau Latino cooking (traditional Puerto Rican creations updated with modern cooking techniques). From casual to haute cuisine, dining in Puerto Rico offers travelers an international taste sensation.

Old San Juan

In Old San Juan, Puerto Rico's most historic wining and dining neighborhood, one can choose from Il Perugino(one of the best Italian eateries on the island), Bombonera (La) (Caribbean traditional) or El Siglo XX(Spanish tapas delights). Another fine Italian dining experience can be found at the quaint Ambrosía on Calle del Cristo. Discover fine-dining excellence at El Picoteo and Café del Níspero, both located in the Hotel El Convento. If you favor American, Old San Juan has a Hard Rock Cafe.

Gourmets will enjoy the gourmet creations at Trois Cent Onze. Nouveau Latino cuisine can be experienced at its best at Parrot Club or Amadeus Cafe. The Café Berlin is known for its vegetarian specialties.

Also, Mallorquina (La) and El Patio de Sam offer the some of the best Puerto Rican cuisine in the old city. Grab a drink at the very popular Nono's. Perfect for a pre or post-theater meal, Toro Salao is located adjacent to the Teatro Tapia.

Isla Verde

The Isla Verde district is not to be overlooked when seeking restaurant alternatives. Some of Puerto Rico's top choices are tucked away inside Isla Verde's hotels. Some very excellent choices include the Ritz-Carlton, InterContinental San Juan and El San Juan Hotel & Casino. Oriental cuisine is served at Momoyama (InterContinental San Juan Resort & Casino), and Yamato (El San Juan Hotel & Casino). Love Italian? Try Ciao Mediterranean Restaurant and Piccola Fontana (La) (El San Juan Hotel & Casino).

Puerto Rican and Caribbean cuisine can be sampled at the excellent Metropol III or Casa Dante. Ranch (The) (El San Juan Hotel & Casino) offers American specialties. Steakhouses include the superb Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (InterContinental San Juan Resort & Casino) and the elegant Palm (The) (El San Juan Hotel & Casino). The Tequila Bar & Grill (El San Juan Hotel & Casino) offers excellent Mexican cuisine. For cocktails with lots of atmosphere, try the lobby lounges within some of these hotels or stop in at Lupi's (Mexican cantina) for one of their special margaritas.

Condado

Condado is a real find for those who crave gourmet seafood. Some of the island's best restaurants are to be found in Condado. Prime examples include the award-winning Spanish eatery, Compostela. Magdalena Street showcases several great restaurants including Antonio's, Cielito Lindo, the very cosmopolitan Urdín, JoséJosé, and Ramiro's. They are good examples of local/international fare and exquisitely imaginative presentations.

Also included on Condado's recommended dining spots are Hermes and Pikayo (featured in Conde Nást magazine). The St. Moritz (Regency Hotel) (authentic Swiss cuisine) and Ristorante Tuscany (San Juan Marriott) inside the San Juan Marriott are also highly rated.

Condado's dining options seem endless! Try to plan at least one meal at Miró Marisquería Catalana (Hotel El Porto) (Catalan seafood) or the famous Ajili-Mójili. Martino's (Diamond Palace Hotel & Casino) serves up great Italian cuisine and the Greenhouse Restaurant & Lounge (Dutch Inn & Towers) is often a stop-off point for an after-concert taste treat. If you hunger for a down-to-earth, hearty, grab a bagel from the Big Apple.

Hato Rey

The island's main business district offers ample lunch and dining options. Restaurants include the elegant El Zipperle, the popular Yuan, and the Coachman Steakhouse. For a fun atmosphere and something different at reasonable prices, go Middle Eastern at Al Salam, and Tierra Santa. Or, for an Oriental meal you may want to check out the Yum Yum Tree or Kimpo Garden. Sample Puerto Rican home-style dining at Cueva del Chicken Inn. Upscale cuisine is available at the intimate Los Chavales. You'll find that Il Cuoco and Metropol III offer two distinctly different styles of cuisine (Italian and Cuban) at affordable prices. Grab a casual drink and a bite from El Meson y Algo Mas on Roosevelt.

Guaynabo

In recent years this San Juan suburb has increased its share of fine restaurants. Guaynabo is home to Burbuja's Café (Spanish) and El Caribe. This district is gaining in popularity and will surely be offering more choices in the upcoming years.

Río Piedras

The University City offers its share of fine restaurants, but excels in pubs and hangouts catering to the university crowd. Among the notable restaurants are Café Valencia, Isleño (El) and the El Tropical (delicious!). Miramar

Miramar hosts three of the best restaurants in Puerto Rico, namely the ultra classic Augusto's, the chic and eclectic Chayote's (Olimpo Court Hotel) (Nouveau Latino) and the exquisite La Casona. Stop into, Havana's Cafe or the excellent Pizzeria Uno at Centro Europa for more casual fare.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 177